What's On Your Mind? Maytag, Timeshares Only, Rusty Wallace Kia, Conseco Insurance,

After flat-screen TVs, we probably get more complaints about dishwashers than any other appliance. Jennifer, of North Java, N.Y, is unhappy with her Maytag Neptune, which she says has been nothing but trouble.

“The first time it broke it was luckily under warranty, although we had to pay for the repair man to install it,” Jennifer said. “It took two new circuit boards before it was fixed. A few months later, the circuit board went again, and it was conveniently for Maytag now out of warranty. The repair man told us that their company never carried these washers because from the get go they had a ton of problems. He said that the odds of it breaking again were great and that we would be better off putting the money into a new washer.

We're amazed at the number of consumers who say their repairman tells them their appliance is a piece of junk. Before buying a new appliance, it might be wise to ask a repair-person for their opinion of it.

Don't agree to advance fees

If you want to sell your car, you might not hesitate to pay for a listing on Autotrader or eBayMotors. After all, millions of people buy used cars every day. But timeshares? Not in high demand, especially in this economy. So be very careful if a company asks for a big fee on the promise they can sell your timeshare.

“I was unemployed and was trying to sell my timeshare so I would not fall in default,” Jen, of Jacksonville, Fla., told ConsumerAffairs.com. “Timeshares Only told me my property was in high demand and had been selling quite well. The rep contacted me a couple times to offer me a deal and the final deal was $500 to post and sell my timeshare. I like others was desperate and decided to make the investment. What a waste of my money. It has been listed since March 2009 and I have not had 1 inquiry for the timeshare or even a week rental.”

Keep in mind, Realtors don't make any money from a listing until the sale closes. Don't pay an upfront fee.

Successful resolution

Just to point out that submitting a review to ConsumerAffairs.com can get results, we'll pass along this follow-up review from L, of Knoxville, Tenn., who originally reported a complaint about Rusty Wallace Kia over her 2003 Camry.

“After I complained, Travis called to let me know that Rusty Wallace Kia had decided to repair my car,” L reports. "I would assure all readers that Rusty Wallace Kia, and particularly Travis, made matters right with my car and I am very appreciative.”

It's always gratifying when consumers and businesses can work things out. A business that listens to and responds to its customers complaints will do well in the long run.

Rising rates

Robert, of Santa Fe, N.M., writes to say he is unhappy with Conseco Insurance because he bought a $50,000 life insurance policy nearly 20 years ago and the rates just went up significantly.

“I purchased a $50,000 life insurance policy in 1993 with a monthly premium of $98.43,” Robert told ConsumerAffairs.com. “Now, after 18 years of payment, $21,949.89, Conseco is raising the monthly premium to $469.43, which I cannot afford with my retired social security and a small pension. My options are to take the cash surrender of $1,902.65 or let the policy lapse.”

Robert needs to look at the terms of the policy.  He is, after all, 20 years old than he was when the policy was first written.  Life insurance is more expensive for older folks than for younger ones, for obvious reasons.

When considering life insurance, many financial advisers recommend taking out a low-cost term policy for the time period when you need to provide security for your family – usually while children are young and at home. Whole-life policies cost a lot more and may not be the best use of your money, as Robert is finding out.